Dear Friends,
It has been a while. So...
The sched:
June 27: Friday "User-Friendly" Service: 7:30pm followed by dinner. YES, you are invited. RSVP!
June 28: Shabbos Mevarchim Tehillim: 8:30am
Shacharis: 10am followed by a kiddush with the best cholent, this side of....
Kiddush sponsored in honor of last Shabbos morning's birth of Liron Chana to Ofir & Einat Caspi! Mazel Tov! Join the farbrengen!
Minchah: 8pm, followed by informal class on Ethics of our Fathers, Chapter 3
Maariv, Havdalla & Shabbos Ends: 9:07pm
Current Thursday Lunch (12-1:15pm) & evening (8-9pm) course, you can always join: Heading Somewhere: Bamidbar
Future Shabbaton dates listed at www.chabaduptown.org
The news (in short review):
- Visited S. Antonio & Sea World with fam last week, a/c on our new van blows. Thank G-d for GPS, CarMax (4 min. away) here we come! They replaced entire a/c system, gave us a loaner, and we were forced to extend our vacation for another day (in Austin) with a stop at (the GPS located Kinkos) to book a priceline hotel for a bargain! Gave us some time to Walmart some purchases for the family.
- Kids started Camp Gan Israel this week, Levi for his first time away from home for the day! They love it!
- Spent two days of inspiration a the Southeast Regional conference of Chabad Lubavitch Shluchim held this year in New Orleans, LA. We heard from the President of City Council and the President of the Jewish Federation of the rebuilding challenges, and Chabad's exemplary work at being in the forefront of the community and infrastructure of the rebuilding effort. Of course, the days were spent filled with inspiration and workshops with great camaraderie.
- Finishing touches of the new building at the Chabad Lubavitch Center on Fondren are on and Chanie put together a great string of prizes to be included on the auction part of the West Wing Dedication Cocktail, Concert and Chinese Auction to be held on Sunday, July 13. More at www.westwingauction.com
- Our Uptown moving process has been featured in a news article here. Read all about it!
- Next weekend marks the Yartzeit of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, o.b.m., and I - along with Mendel - will be joining the pilgrimage to the Rebbe's ohel in New York. As in the past, if you wish that I include your name and mother's name in my prayers at the graveside at this auspicious, feel free to send it to me, along with any prayers you may wish to add.
- Chanie & I will be leading a Mayanot birthright-Israel of over 40 kids at the end of the July. We are looking forward to inspire and be inspired! (Oh yeah, and I renewed my passport today...)
The thought for the week:
Last week we explored the story of the 10 spies who resisted the notion of a material and physical lifestyle in Eretz Yisrael as opposed to the spiritually charged environment of the miraculous experience in the desert.
No, they were reprimanded by Moshe, our purpose is to enter the land, face the world - and make a difference.
More than all of the feelings, ideas and meditations that the Sinai peninsula offered, action was the main thing.
And action could only happen with people that would work the land.
More than what we feel or know, it's about what we do.
Well "Is that the case?" says Korach this week. Is it really all about our actions? Then what makes you and Aaron so special?
After all we all do the same Mitzvot and serve the same G-d.
Korach had the same problem as the spies - in reverse.
They were too spiritual. He was too physical.
He forgot that while the action is the main thing, our kavana - intent, our spirituality, our knowledge of Torah (and in Moshe's case the prophecy) does make a difference.
Many of today's "youth at risk" disenchanted with Judaism often describe a ritualistic old-fashioned tradition devoid of any real depth or meaning.
That's probably because they were raised and educated with a Korach brand of Judaism.
The body and soul of Jewish tradition are equally important.
Wishing you a Shabbos of spiritual growth,
No, they were reprimanded by Moshe, our purpose is to enter the land, face the world - and make a difference.
More than all of the feelings, ideas and meditations that the Sinai peninsula offered, action was the main thing.
And action could only happen with people that would work the land.
More than what we feel or know, it's about what we do.
Well "Is that the case?" says Korach this week. Is it really all about our actions? Then what makes you and Aaron so special?
After all we all do the same Mitzvot and serve the same G-d.
Korach had the same problem as the spies - in reverse.
They were too spiritual. He was too physical.
He forgot that while the action is the main thing, our kavana - intent, our spirituality, our knowledge of Torah (and in Moshe's case the prophecy) does make a difference.
Many of today's "youth at risk" disenchanted with Judaism often describe a ritualistic old-fashioned tradition devoid of any real depth or meaning.
That's probably because they were raised and educated with a Korach brand of Judaism.
The body and soul of Jewish tradition are equally important.
Wishing you a Shabbos of spiritual growth,
Rabbi Chaim & Chanie!
P.S. Join the excitement at the Dedication Cocktail, Concert & Chinese Auction (you do not need to be present to win!) www.westwingauction.com.